User Reviews

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by
Talat
a Audiophile

Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001

Bottom Line:

I've read quite a bit about various power conditioners, but didn't want to spend $1k or more on a real nice product.I immediately noticed a quieter background. It was easier to pick up subtle details because of the reduced noise floor. I originally shopped around for the best-bang-for-the-buck product, read reviews, and talked to the sales rep. I thought this would work out ok since I was getting a good deal on it.However, after using the product for about a year, I'm not very enthused about the product at all anymore. It seems after the product was used for a while, and nicely broken in, it didn't offer the same performance. The noise floor can be much more inmproved. Looks like I'm going to have to end up spending the amount I originaly was trying to avoid. Perhaps I've become used to the sound, and need to improve upon it. Over all it's a good product for low to mid-fi systems. I would avoid it for hi-fi gear, or a serious home theater.

The API Power Pack V is an excellent choice for the average home system not suffering from major AC problems. Make sure that you are not messing up your AC with light timers, air conditioners, digital clocks or florescent lighting on the same circuit. Let me also say that if you are in the market to clean up your AC then run a dedicated 20 amp line from your fuse box to your Hi Fi gear. Nothing, I repeat nothing will match this setup for pure clean AC power. The advantages of a unit like the API are not apparent right away. Nothing will "knock you out" from day one. The real benifit is in listening to the details of the music and the lack of any background noise. To really enjoy this put on a performance of well recorded piano music and see what can accomplished with "inter-note silence". You can actually hear the piano's action accompaning the music. It may seem an odd thing to mention, but go to a live recital and you will hear the very same thing. This adds to the involvement of the music greatly increases the listening experience. This is the type of benifit this unit gives in spades. Music sounds more like it is being "played" not reproduced. If you have a high resolution system then this unit is highly recomended.

Noticeably enhanced audio throughout system. Did not notice any video improvements but had no problems to begin with. Before hooking into system I listened to music for 30 minutes, then hooked up and listened to same music and could easily tell a difference unlike listening to cables. A bit pricey but well built and the meter works well.

Just picked one up second hand. I did not want to buy a new one as I did not think it would make a difference. I have a onkyo reciever as a pre-amp connected to a B&K amp and B&W speakers. I must say that it does make a difference and I am quite impressed. Glad I gave it a chance. So for all those of you out there who doubt, just try it. I guess power conditioner really do what they were designed for:)